Likely K Cup Finalists

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31770, 29 August 1968, Page 5

Likely K Cup Finalists

(N.Z. Press Association) GORE. Otago A and Eastern Southland A, respectively winner and runner-up at Wanganui last year, look likely to contest the final of the K Cup again at Gore on Saturday. After the sixth series of matches in the New Zealand women’s hockey championships yesterday, they were the only unbeaten teams in the two major sections. Otago still has to beat Canterbury A to win the section. Minor Sections Nelson is leading in the minor section A with 10 points, but it will have the bye today. Southland has had four wins and a draw for nine points and a win today over South Otago would give it the section honours. The minor section B has been close, Canterbury leading with nine points from four wins and a draw. North Otago, which has seven points from two wins and three draws, will play South Canterbury today. Continuing its improved form, Canterbury A decisively beat Whangarei, 5-0. The Canterbury forwards

penetrated deeply with incisive short passing movements for P. Walker to score the first goal from a penalty corner.

Much use was made of both wings, passes coming in from M. Bennett at right-wing for H. Walker to convert to goals. J. Capssich and M. Bruhns were sound full-backs although on occasion mistrapping could have been dangerous but for excellent cover defence by A. McKenna. Canterbury led 3-nil at halftime. Its goals were scored by L. Rutledge (2), J. Dunn, H. Walker and P. Walker. Scoreless Draw Canterbury B lost many opportunities in a scoreless game against Wairarapa through bunching of the inside forwards. Territorially they had the advantage but failed to capitalise on their chances. D. Quinn had a good game at centre-half, and D. McKinnell continued to defend solidly. Canterbury missed the penetration of G. Phillips in the centre. S. Turner and D. Eddy both made good ground on the wings. North v. South The South Island major team beat the North Island, 5-1. Playing fast, controlled, hockey the South Islanders gave a firstclass display and the speed and flow of the game entertained a large crowd. Canterbury’s four representatives, Bruhns, L. Drummond, McKenna, and H. Walker, all

acquitted themselves well, with Drummond the outstanding back on the field.

McKenna's sound trapping was a feature of her play and Walker's two good goals were the result of quick anticipation in her inside right position.

The South was clearly superior although North’s defence worked tirelessly to contain the dangerous South forward line of three national representatives, M. Donnelly, P. Forrester and Walker.

The score was a true indication of the relative merits of the teams. / South Island Minors beat the North Island, 4-1. Results: Major Section A—Eastern Southland A 2, Auckland A 1; Otago B 4, South Auckland 2: Wairarapa 0, Canterbury B 0; Hawke’s Bay 6, Wellington 2. Major Section B.—Otago A 3, Maniototo 0; Canterbury A 5, Whangarei 0; Auckland B nil. Waikato nil; Manawatu 2, Eastern Southland B 1.

Minor Section A.—Nelson 5, Bay of Plenty 0; South Otago 2, Tuapeka 0; Southland 3, Wanga nui 1.

Minor Section B.—-South Canterbury 2, Rangitikei 1; Taranaki 5, Marlborough 3; Central Otago 3, Malvern 1. Points:—

Major Section A.—Eastern Southland A 12, Auckland A, Hawke’s Bay 10, South Auckland 5, Wairarapa, Otago B 4. Canterbury B 3, Wellington 0. Major Section B.—Otago A 12, Canterbury A 10, Auckland B, Waikato 7, Maniototo 6, Whangarei 3, Manawatu 2, Eastern Southland B 0.

Minor Section A.—Nelson 10, Southland 9, Ashburton 7, South Otago 6, Wanganui 3, Bay of Plenty 1, Tuapeka 0.

Minor Section B.—South Canterbury 9, North Otago, Central Otago 7,,Taranaki 6, Malvern 3, Marlborough, Rangitikei 2. Marlborough has the bye today.